The Donors’ Bill of Rights by Jeremy Hall, Director of Brewster Foundation
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very day people are receiving solicitations for gifts. Many good organizations are seeking support. Sometimes it is a good reminder that we try to stay above board with our ethical behavior. As we raise financial support for Brewster, we have a strong fiduciary responsibility associated with the solicitation and management of donated dollars. From time to time we like to remind you, our supporters, about the Donors’ Bill of Rights. The Brewster Foundation is a separate tax-exempt 501 (C)(3) organization whose sole mission is to raise private funds in support of Brewster. The Foundation is subject to an annual audit and is governed by a separate Board of Trustees made up of community volunteers and Brewster Place residents. Their job is to insure that the Foundation adheres to the strict standards recommended by the National Committee on Planned Giving, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the American Council of gift Annuities. These entities recommend strict standards to ensure donors’ bill of rights. These rights are: I. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes. II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities. III. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements. IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. V. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
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To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law. VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature. VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors. IX. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share. X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
The Brewster Foundation shares a common vision with the Brewster organization – that of setting standards which meet or exceed expectations. If there is ever an occasion where you have concerns regarding the Brewster Foundation or how gifts are solicited, invested or returned to the Brewster organization, please call Jeremy R Hall at 274-3327.
Brewster Forum
Foundation Updates
Growing Up in East Germany with Magdalene Kovach Thursday, April 4 | 10:00 am The Evergreens Community Room his month will have a very personal program, with Magdalene Kovach, a Brewster Place resident, discussing growing up under communist rule in East Germany. This will be sharing her personal perspective and experiences. Join us for this time of learning and fellowship.
SARA Pendants and Blue Moose Event
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e know you are excited about the results from these two fun events, but we do not have them yet. We do know that over 50 people at the Blue Moose claimed support for Brewster, and with one event left, the SARA pendant counts have been around 80%. We will have full details and results in the May edition of the Brewster News.